MK Dons boss highlights individual errors in latest defeat

MK Dons manager Dan Micciche has admitted that individual errors cost his side in their 2-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic at Stadium MK.

The Dons gave away possession cheaply on 10 minutes to allow Ahmed Kashi to score with a shot from distance before The Addicks striker Josh Magennis popped up virtually unmarked to net his side’s second goal just before the hour mark.

Speaking to The72 after the match, Micciche confessed that while his side’s attitude was good, individual errors proved costly.

“I thought we started and ended the game very well but in the middle of the game Charlton were the better team” said The Dons boss.

“In our time here, we have emphasised the importance of the first 15 minutes because before I came in we were conceding early goals.

“They started dominating the midfield and we didn’t defend with enough intensity.

“Their second goal was against the run of play and the first goal was disappointing as we shouldn’t be conceding goals like that.

“The players showed some character and the supporters were behind us but we just couldn’t get that equaliser, it’s not going for us at the moment.”

The result leaves MK Dons six points adrift of safety and Micciche is clear about what is needed to avoid the dreaded drop.

The Dons boss added “The only way that we are going to get out of this is by all sticking together and being open and honest, staff included.

“If you are a six out of 10 performance-wise that’s not going to be enough, we need nine out of 10 performances in two tough away games.”

MK Dons’ only goal of the match came from a scrappy effort from Kieran Agard and The Dons boss has declared himself happy with the player’s performances.

“I believe in Keiran, that’s why I keep picking him” said Micciche. “I see enough in training and also when Keiran finds himself in good positions in matches.

“I keep telling Kieran that he will get rewarded and I’m pleased that today he did.”

The MK Dons players left the pitch to some chants of ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’ and Micciche has drafted a plan on how the players can avoid relegation and regain the trust of the fans once again.

“We know how many points we need to stay up and we’ve got a plan of how many points we need from specific games” Micciche advised.

“We’ve got our goals, we are working hard and I do believe in these players.

“We’ve got to be better in the final third and we are working day and night to make that happen.

“The players believe that we can stay up and if I get any glimpse that they don’t then they can’t be with us.

“I understand the fans’ frustrations. This isn’t a club which should be in League One it should be in the Championship minimum and I know what the chairman’s ambitions are.

I am a supporter myself, this is hurting me as much as it is hurting the supporters.”

Micciche has lost five out of five as MK Dons boss since being appointed into the role late last month.

About Author

I am Dan Pentland and I am a York City season ticket holder and volunteer for men's health charity Prostate Cancer UK. In May 2015, I completed my childhood dream of visiting all 92 Football League grounds. Follow me on Twitter @DanPentlandpcuk and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dpentlandawaydayspcuk/